The environmental factors that have significantly helped to create the current situation that Jasper Henning’s is facing include:
a) Technological (external environment)-Due to technological advancements, it has become possible for the employees of the company to engage in activities that are not related to work, for example checking personal emails or the weather.
b) The internal environment-this is because Henning’s company did not take any steps to adjust to the emerging technological advancements. The company took no initiative to install devices, for example software filters that would have prevented the abuse of the company’s computer and internet systems.
The factors that Jasper Henning probably needs to take into consideration when he is deciding on his action course include the organizations culture( beliefs, values, norms and understandings), the employee factor, management, company’s policy, people affected by the decision and possible consequences that may emanate from the decision.
2. Other subconscious values and benefits that I have detected from this scenario include empathy/compassion, self preservation and the right to make decisions on things favorable to the organization
b) There are indeed some conflicting values present in this case; these include:
- Respect for policies of the company vs. compassion
- Honesty vs. self preservation
- Right to make decisions on things that are considerably favorable to the organizations vs. the respect for all company’s employees
c) When values are in conflict, the one which should take precedence is the one that will most likely create the largest net benefit for the largest number.
Question 3 A
Darger fired the female employee as a self-defense strategy so as his wrong doings do not get exposed. If I am Jasper, I would give both employees a second chance to work for the company. The employee who had been fired by Darger will be reinstated but the two will get suspended. It is worth to cover their wrong doings since the happenings had not leaked to the media or to other companies. Moreover, it is worth to not to treat a fellow head like Darger in a way that will compromise his respect from fellow employees. This would serve to save the company’s money and the inconveniences associated with hiring new employees. This would be followed by a meeting with all departmental heads to emphasize and press on the need to observe the company’s policy and to pass the message that future wrong doings will not be stomached by the company. Moreover filters on all computers will be installed to block unnecessary websites and bar employees from visiting them.
QUESTION 3 B
If I was Jasper, the message that my solution would send to other managers and rank-and- file employees is that the use of internet for improper activities or in activities that are not within the policy will not be tolerated. My message would emphasize on the need to observe and respect the policy.
This case study revolves around Rio Grande Supply Company’s policy on internet use among employees which stipulate that employees should only use internet for business related activities only. However, Darger fires a female employee and the female employee hits back by allegedly accusing Darger of watching pornography in his office inside lock doors. Therefore, the case looks at how organizational values contribute in shaping this policy and how Jasper-president comes up with a solution to this problem.
References
Ciulla, J. B., Martin, C. W., & Solomon, R. C. (2011). Honest work: A business ethics reader. New York: Oxford University Press.
Jeurissen, R., & Rijst, M. . (2012). Ethics & business. Assen: Koninklijke Van Gorcum.
